That’s it! 2010 has come and gone and with the new year upon us, it seems only natural that we pop it off with bottle after bottle of Champagne.

But wait, we’ve mentioned in the past that there is a recurring misnomer of what Chamapagne really is. As the adage goes, “Champagne is definitely sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wine is Champagne.” Specifically, Champagne is sparkling wine from the Champagne region in France made in the “methode traditionelle” using chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier. Never the less, there is plenty of great sparkling wine made outside of Champagne.

In an effort to highlight other sparklers from around the world, this week’s Haute Wines hat goes off to the king of Italian bubbles, Franciacorta. Just like Champagne, Franciacorta is a region in Italy, Lombardi to be precise; it utilizes three grapes – pinot bianco, chardonnay and pinot nero; and is made in the traditional method. Unlike its trendier and more famous cousin prosecco, Franciacorta won’t be found in your local grocery store shelf at $10 a pop. On the contrary, it embodies quality, grace, style and even a bit of mystique as it isn’t readily available in most markets; even some of the largest of producers have a difficult time keeping up with its demand as yields are so low.

Arguably one of the best producers of Franciacorta is Bellavista. A fairly new winery, they have little wine making tradition, but they produce a bevy of of impeccably fabulous sparkling wines. Under the deft hand of Mattia Vezzola as winemaker and estate manager, organic farming practices, intense nurturing, ridiculously low yields and a deep respect for time create wines that stand up to the the finest of Champagnes. 

Cin! Cin! to Bellavista on the close of this year. Here’s to you for being fantastically breathtaking…and for not being Champagne.

Cheers! to all of Haute Wines’s loyal readers. Happy New Year! Surely 2011 will bring even greater marvels from the wine world.

Bellavista, Vittorio Moretti, Extra Brut Riserva, 2002, $250 – A warm and toasty bedazzler, this wine has only been made but a handful of times and only in impeccable years. It spends 7 years on the lees developing and cultivating deep, unrestrained flavors of buttered biscuits, brandied peaches, ripe apricots and flowers. Vittorio Moretti’s eponymously named wine is opulent and exaggerated; could it be an apt interpretation of his very own persona? Possibly.

Bellavista Gran Cuvee Rose Brut, 2004, $85 – The Cuvee Rose is simply stunning! This light salmon sparkler is a proprietary blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay loaded with red fruit like tart strawberries, freshly muddled raspberries and snappy cherries, as well as a slight yeastiness reminiscent of freshly baked croissants. Full, expansive and possessing a long finish.

Bellavista Brut, NV, $55 – Bellavista’s house style exhibits sheer elegance. Aromas of fresh baked bread, white flowers, goose berries, summer ripened peaches and lemon peel waft up the glass and the elegant perlage barely prickles the tongue. It is fresh, rich and everlasting.

Cheers!

After the ball drops at midnight, we bet you’re going to be looking for something to do come Jan. 1. Well, we’ve got ideas for foodies, sports enthusiasts, couples, families and theater-goers alike.

On Jan. 1 …

Petite Maison

Join Petite Maison for a New Year’s Day “Bubbles for Breakfast” Brunch du Champagne from between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The three-course brunch will feature flowing glasses of champagne, mimosas and bellinis. Courses included smoked salmon, quiche lorraine, salade maison, flat iron steak, crab-stuffed crepes, poached eggs and more. There’s also a kids’ menu so that even the little ones can find something to enjoy. Cost is $29 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and reservations are strongly recommended, but not required.

Petite Maison is located at 7216 E. Shoeman Lane in Scottsdale 480.991.6887

Fiesta Bowl Tailgate Party

Jan. 1 will see the 40th annual Tostitos Fiesta Bowl host the Big 12 Conference game between the University of Oklahoma and the University of Connecticut at 6 p.m. at the University of Phoenix stadium. Before kickoff, thousands of fans and will get pumped up for the big game between 12:30 and 5:30 p.m. by enjoying pep rallies, performances by the university marching bands and cheerleaders, games and food and beverage booths. Head to the Glendale Youth Sports Complex next to the University of Phoenix Stadium to join in all the fun, whether you have tickets to the game or not. Cost is $20, which includes one meal. Purchase tickets online here, or by calling 480.350.0911.

The Glendale Youth Sports Complex is located at Loop 101 and Bethany Home Road in Glendale

Phoenix Zoo is located at 455 N. Galvin Parkway in Phoenix 602.914.4333

Through Jan. 16 …

Woody Guthrie’s American Song

Arizona Theatre Company presents “Woody Guthrie’s American Song” at the Herberger Theater Center. The performance grants the audience the opportunity to meet the man who gave America such songs as “Bound for Glory,” “Nine Hundred Miles” and “This Land Is Your Land,” songs about the open road and the beauty of nature even during trying times, particularly those during the Great Depression. Directed by Randal Myler, this production celebrates a great American who gave the country its voice. The performances run through Jan. 16 in Phoenix.

The Herberger Theater Center is located at 222 E. Monroe Street in Phoenix 602.254.7399

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If you’re anything like us, the Holidays have put you in such a whirlwind you haven’t even had a second to think about New Year’s Eve. Never to fear. We’ve rounded up some haute, last minute New Year’s parties that will have you ringing in 2011 in style.

Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink Grand Cayman

For those with access to a private jet, Michael’s is  offering a multi-course dinner including a bottle of Mercier Brut NV, Epernay, Champagne per couple, party favors and a live DJ until 1:00 a.m.  Seating will begin at 9:00 p.m. and continue until 10:30 p.m. They will also offer an early a la carte menu with seating from 5:30 - until 8:00 p.m.  Call 345.640.6433  for reservations.

Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink Grand Cayman is located at: Suite 4103, 47 Forum Lane, Canella Court, Camana Bay, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, 345.640.6433.

Disco Dungoun in the Florida Room at Delano

New York’s premier party impresario Susanne Bartsch makes her triumphant return to Delano to ring in the new year. The over-the top Modern Royal Court themed fete will include an NYE countdown and performance from the infamous Joey Arias, along with a bevy of live performances and an open bar from 9pm-1am. The  sexy, fun, and scandalous style of the Bloody Mary New Years Eve could only be pulled off by Bartsch and her creative clan of hosts who will fully transform the property. Partygoers will be treated to six different themes on one property including the Patricia Field Lobby Lounge, the Clans in the Court, Harlots in the Orchard, The Disco Dungeon in The Florida Room, Swan Lake at the Pool and the Bloody Mary Beach Bar. Performances not only include vocalist-in-drag Joey Arias’ midnight musical expressions but also, Swan Lake in the pool along with several other surprises. Ticket available for those 21 years of age and older for $325 (including tax).

The Delano is located at 1685 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; To purchase tickets 305.674.6152 or Nye.delano@morganshotelgroup.com

NEW YEARS EVE 2011 Hosted By Chloe Sevigny at Mondrian

Mondrian and host Chloe Sevigny invite you to ring in the New Year with a special musical performance not to be missed by Andrew Wyatt of Miike Snow. Partygoers at Mondrian South Beach will have the chance to experience the sounds of DJ Paul Sevigny and The Mishapes while bringing in the New Year complete with a firework show on Biscayne Bay. Guests are invited to enjoy an open bar from 9pm-1am. Tickets are on sale for $300.

Mondrian in South Beach is located at 1100 West Ave., Miami Beach;  Admission is $300; To purchase tickets, visit www.newyearseve.com or www.newyearseve.morganshotelgroup.com

Distinguished Steakhouse Prime 112 Announces Unique New Year’s Celebration

Miami Beach’s illustrious staple, Prime One Twelve announces exceptional offerings for guests looking for a memorable welcome to 2011. At $250/person guests can enjoy live music by DJ Vertigo, impromptu party favors and an luxurious bottle of Cristal Champagne per couple. Ticket cost does not include dinner but secures an otherwise inaccessible reservation for 10:00pm or later where the renowned dinner menu will be available. Warning, this party is only for those looking to indulge.

Prime 112 is located 112 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; For tickets, call 305.532.8112.

New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball at W Fort Lauderdale

The W Fort Lauderdale and Gerber Group invite guests to ring in 2011 in style at the first annual New Year’s Eve Masquerade ball.  Guests are encouraged to don their best disguises as they enjoy special complimentary cocktails at Whiskey Blue and Living Room, available from 8pm-Midnight.  Complimentary champagne toasts at midnight are also included at both venues where guests can remove their masks to make their New Year’s reveal. Fort Lauderdale’s best music will be available at both nightspots with DJ Midas spinning at Whiskey Blue and DJ Lennox in W Fort Lauderdale’s Living room. With exceptional decor and entertainment  this 2011 New Year’s celebration will be an unprecedented evening that is not to be missed!

Whiskey Blue/ Living Room at W Fort Lauderdale is located 401 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. For table reservations, contact Mara Stamper at mstamper@gerberbars.com or call 954.414.8300.

Skybar at Shore Club New Year’s Party

Skybar at Shore Club invites partygoers to ring in 2011 with a night of old-school beats. Skybar’s affordable $75 ticket is the hottest on Miami Beach, as guests will dance into the New Year with an exclusive performance from DJ Cassidy. Guests are also in for a treat as music legends Bell Div Devoe and Naughty By Nature will join DJ Cassidy to help ring in the New Year in style. Cash bar opens at 9PM with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Table packages are available.

Skybar at Shore Club is located at 1901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. For tickets or reservations please call 786.276.6772 or email skybarreservations@morganshotelgroup.com

New Year’s Resolutions. Do you make one every year?  Do you keep it? The concept is a good one.  A new year – a fresh start – a time to right some of your more habitual wrongs. But why mess with perfection, right?  Well, should you need a little gentle reminder of ways to improve yourself and your life, let us make a few small suggestions.  Here are some ideas for New Year’s resolutions and ways to get cracking on them right away.

Learn Something New

Expanding your knowledge base is always a good thing.  So whether you want to know how to cook more nutritiously, play the clarinet or dance the salsa, there are a myriad of classes being taught nightly throughout the Boston area.  Your best bets for a full listing of opportunities would be to check out the Boston Center for Adult Education or the Cambridge Center for Adult Education.  You may be surprised at the number of classes that may pique your interest.

Give Back

Philanthropy is very much in vogue this time of year and while it is good and noble to give money to a worthwhile cause sometimes you may wish to get more intimately involved in a cause.  A great way to feel more a part of the organizations you donate to is to give of your time as well. Contact your favorite non-profit organizations to see what opportunities exist to volunteer your time and talents or utilize a service like Volunteer Match to lead you to the numerous non-profit groups that could use your help.

Get Organized

No one said you had to go it alone on your New Year’s resolutions.  So if your goal is to get more organized in your home, your office or just in your life in general, feel free to call in a professional to help get you on track. The professional organizer industry is booming these days, so finding a knowledgeable and, of course, well organized individual to help should be easy.  Check out the ladies at Refine Design and Clear the Clutter to get started.

Get in Shape

What do we have if we don’t have our health?  Getting in shape should be all about a healthy life, with a killer body as a secondary benefit. If committing yourself to a location, a fitness club in other words, will help you stay committed to this task, you are in luck. Haute Living has already compiled the top 5 fitness clubs in Boston.  Take a look, make your pick and start working out.

Spend More Time with Friends and Family

This may be the easiest and most important resolution of all.  Life is short and we should make sure we dedicate the time to the people that matter most in our lives.  If you have had trouble squeezing this in in the past book some tickets, plan a trip or otherwise commit yourself well in advance to make it harder for you to put off for tomorrow what is better accomplished today. Check out Ticketmaster, Bostix or Boston USA for some of your choices of activities to take part in around the city year round.

Our Haute 100 list details the accomplishments of the most influential people in each of our markets—Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. These people continue to make moves, so rather than waiting for the next Haute 100 issue to come out, we thought we’d provide you with regular updates on those Haute 100 members who are making headlines. Although we’re just ringing in the new year, designers already have their Pre-Fall 2011 collections completed and Carolina Herrera is no exception.

Carolina Herrera

Category: Designers

Company: Carolina Herrera New York

Industry: Fashion

What Made Her Haute: Best known for her classic minimalist designs and for having served as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ personal stylist for over a decade, Herrera’s design house epitomizes the essence of timeless, classic style.

What Makes Her Haute Now: Carolina Herrera’s latest preview collection is complete and ready for the wearing. The color palette Herrera used was muted with a mixture of iridescent, shimmering and dark colors. Even the patterned pieces were washed out to create a subtler look. The only piece that had real color in the collection was a red floor length gown. Bright color and embellishment are replaced by intricate detail and rich fabrics, which lend her collection a timeless and classic look.

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Our Haute 100 list details the accomplishments of the most influential people in each of our markets—Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. These people continue to make moves, so rather than waiting for the next Haute 100 issue to come out, we thought we’d provide you with regular updates on those Haute 100 members who are making headlines. Sean “Diddy” Combs spends some family time on a yacht in St. Bart’s.

Name: Sean “Diddy” Combs

Category: Entertainers

Company: Bad Boy Entertainment

Industry: Entertainment

What MADE him Haute: The Grammy award-winning artist, whose impressive estate on Star Island is a must-see stop on all of the celebrity-home boat tours that raid the waters of Biscayne Bay, is almost as well known for his business ventures as for his music. The hip-hop impresario’s Bad Boy Entertainment is an umbrella company that operates Bad Boy Records, Sean Jean clothing line, a movie production company, Ciroc vodka, and two restaurants. His latest album, Last Train to Paris, has gained many great reviews so far.

What Makes Him Haute Now: What better way to relieve all the stress from the late Christmas shopping and holiday parties then soaking up some sun on top of a grand and lavish yacht in St. Bart’s? Sean Combs, also known as Diddy, was spotted relaxing with his two twin daughters D’Lila and Jessie in St. Bart’s, France, an area of play frequently visited by the rich and famous, on Dec. 27. Kim Porter, ex-supermodel and the mother of Diddy’s twin daughters and son Christian Casey Combs, was also enjoying the sun in a very sexy and chic two-piece bathing suit. When it comes to Diddy, there are all type of surprises. After a nice evening relaxing on the yacht, he had planned several shindigs, including a free concert by indie artist Macy Gray.

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Shopping around for a new gym? Here are the Top 5 fitness clubs in the Valley that you should be considering.

A new year is just in front of us and the inevitable New Year’s Resolution is soon to be made.  Perhaps you are one of the few who doesn’t make the same resolution year after year to get in better shape.   But even if you are already a fitness savvy individual, chances are your usual routine has been de-railed a bit by the holidays, not to mention all the tempting goodies that come with them. It’s time to get serious again and sometimes a change in venue is just what you need to get a fresh start on a healthier you. Thankfully, we have hunted down the top 5 fitness clubs in Boston to help you narrow down your choices…

So, you’ve eaten your fill of holiday cakes, cookies, pies and whatever else was in reach and now you have decided to make a firm commitment to get healthier by any means necessary…here’s where today’s Top 5 list comes in. As I already mentioned, the number one New Year’s resolution is always to lose weight and/or get in shape and today I have a list of the best places in Atlanta to burn off all the extra calories, lose the unwanted fat and tone those muscles into a lean, mean, sexy machine! Here are the best fitness clubs that have Atlantans sweating out the new year. Feel the burn!

According to the International Health, Racquet and Sports Club Association, Texas is second only to California in the number of fitness centers in the state. That means we have no excuse to slack off on our New Year’s resolution to get a tighter tush or cook off our turkey arms. If you are looking for a fitness club that gives you more bang for your buck, try one of these five local gyms that can take you from zero to hero in style.